Unexpected revelation from a trainer about a factor that might worsen your dog's behavior, leaving us astonished!

Dogs love to play, and one of their favourite games is fetch. However, it's important to remember that too much of a good thing can have its drawbacks.

Playing fetch provides dogs with a lot of adrenaline, which can make their behaviour worse. Long distances and repeated retrievals during fetch or using ball chuckers can have a negative impact on a dog, potentially causing joint pain. Amelia Steele, a professional dog trainer and behavioural consultant, advises against making fetch the only game played with a dog. Repeatedly playing fetch with a dog every single day can be unhealthy and create dogs that are overly focused on the ball, potentially leading to a "monster" for the owner.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to vary your dog's play routine. Twelve ways to do so include throwing games (throwing a ball for your dog to fetch), searching games (hiding treats or toys in the house or garden for your dog to find), tug games (using rope or tug toys), quick running around the block instead of slow walks, sniffing games in the shade, making DIY dog ice treats with yogurt or fruit, calm relaxation training to foster calmness, DIY intelligence games with wrapped treats, practicing quiet tricks indoors like "tired" or "criss-cross," and mixing playful activities with consistent cues and alternative behaviours to keep engagement and training varied.

Scent work can be an alternative activity to fetch for dogs. The West Paw Toppl Dog Toy is a treat dispensing puzzle that can be filled with various treats for a mental workout for dogs. This toy encourages your dog to use their nose to find the treats, providing a different kind of stimulation.

Incorporating training exercises into walks can help keep dog walks fun and engaging. By using commands and rewards, you can make walks more interactive and beneficial for both you and your dog.

In conclusion, while fetch can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with exercise, it's essential to mix things up to ensure your dog stays healthy and well-behaved. By varying your dog's play routine, you can keep them mentally and physically stimulated, and prevent potential problems caused by over-exertion or over-focus on a single game.

Unexpected revelation from a trainer about a factor that might worsen your dog's behavior, leaving us astonished!